Hyundai Motor Company, the world’s fastest-growing major automaker, signed a deal today with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to become the ICC’s first, official car partner from 2011 to 2015.

Under this agreement, ICC officials and players will use Hyundai cars for official transportation for the duration of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. The contract extends until 2015. Additionally, Hyundai will be the transportation partner for ICC’s other competitions, such as the Champions Trophy and the World Twenty20, among other exclusive rights.

“The ICC Cricket World Cup is one of the biggest sporting extravaganzas and we are proud to be part of this event,” Mr. H.W. Park, CEO of Hyundai Motor India (HMI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co., said at the signing ceremony in New Delhi, India. “Hyundai shares ICC’s deep-rooted passion for cricket and remains committed to supporting the game in the future as well.” Mr. Park signed the deal on behalf of Hyundai Motor Co.

The 2011 games will take place between Feb. 19 and April 2 in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. In India, Hyundai will handover a fleet including HMI’s best-selling i10 model, as well as its Santa Fe SUV.

Today’s agreement is part of Hyundai’s effort to expand its global sports marketing activities and boost its brand image worldwide. Hyundai has an 11-year association with FIFA, serving as the official automotive supplier to all FIFA-sanctioned events around the world. Hyundai is currently one of FIFA’s top partners and has extended its strategic sponsorship agreement with FIFA to cover the 2022 FIFA World Cup™ in Qatar.

The ICC Cricket World Cup consists of a total of 49 matches with teams from 14 nations. It’s one of the most-watched events in the world, with more than 700,000 spectators in host countries and 2 billion television viewers in 110 countries.

PHOTO: The attached photos show H.W. Park, CEO of Hyundai Motor India (HMI) and Haroon Lorgat, CEO of the International Cricket Council (ICC).